Question
I planted a Daisy Bush last summer and it was beautiful until late fall.  It is now brown all over and the leaves are crackly.  The stems are not brittle nor do they snap.  Is the bush dead, should I dig it up or cut it back, how far do I cut back?

Answer
Hello Margaret,

First, we should be sure that we are talking about the same plant. Is your daisy bush a plant with glossy-green leaves, and yellow daisy-like flowers?  If so, I can help.

Daisy bush grows in USDA Zones 8 - 11. Originating in Africa, it抯 an evergreen sub-shrub in zones 10 and 11. Farther north it dies to the ground in winter when temperatures dip to about 20篎 (-12.2篊), but re-emerges in spring.

Yours may simply have died to the ground.  The fact that the stems are not brittle, and don抰 snap, is an excellent sign. I say we give it a bit more time, but no fertilizer, since fertilizing a weak, stressed or dormant plant can kill it, and see what happens when the temperatures climb.  You can certainly cut it back if you like (if it looks really ugly). It will certainly do not harm. I抣l bet you抣l see your plant come to life.

Please feel free to write again with any questions.

Happy Gardening.

Donna